July 21, (THEWILL) – Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed concern over some persons parading themselves as traditional rulers, without following laid down procedures stipulated in the laws of the Obaship institution.
Abiodun, who allayed fears over the proliferation of the institution, wonder why some people would go to the extent of procuring fake appointment letters to become a king not recognised by the government or their communities.
He disclosed this on Wednesday, at the 3rd Quarter Statutory Meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas, held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital
The governor, who was represented by the secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, said that those involved in such illegal act do not mean well for the state and traditional institutions.
He maintained that fake appointment letter would only ridicule and bring confusion to the traditional institution, noting that the his administration would no longer condone such unscrupulous activities.
“We shall not fold our arms and allow a few unscrupulous elements, under our watch, to tarnish the image of our state, rubbish our traditional institutions, thereby bringing it to a state of ridicule”, he said
Abiodun, while assuring the traditional rulers of his government’s relentless commitment to their welfare and well-being, said that the recent 50% increment in the monthly subvention of the four traditional councils and much more within the available resources of the state.
He observed that the traditional institution remains a veritable platform to entrench good governance, hence, any administration that desires sustainable development, must collaborate with it.
The governor stressed that his administration has continued to reverence the traditional rulers as our strategic partners in its commitment for an inclusive, just, fair, equitable, transparent, accountable and obedience to the rule of law.
Chairman of the Council, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his address, appreciated the governor for the 50% augmentation for the four traditional councils.
He added that the issue of security is germane to the royal fathers, urging the government to make adequate provision of funding local security outfits in the state.
